A midwife's working hours: organization and constraints

If the métier of midwifery is épanouissant, it is also éprouvant. As we've seen in the various articles about this profession, it's a career with an inherently unpredictable timetable, requiring constant vigilance to deal with emergencies. In the same way as we dealt with the emergency doctor's timetable, let's take an in-depth look at how the midwife's timetable works.

The role of a midwife and her responsibilities

Pregnancy monitoring and childbirth preparation

The midwife provides regular consultations throughout the pregnancy, usually scheduled according to normal office hours. She also runs birth preparation sessions, often organized at the end of the day or on Saturdays to suit the availability of mothers-to-be.

Accompaniment during childbirth

Accompaniment during childbirth is the heart of the métier and largely determines the organization of working hours. Childbirth can last several hours and occur at any time, requiring 24/7 availability for on-call teams.

Postnatal follow-up and advice for young parents

Postnatal visits and follow-up for new parents are organized on a more regular basis, mainly during the day. These appointments may include home visits, requiring precise logistical organization.

The different types of midwife working hours

Hospital working hours: on-call duty and rotations

In maternity wards, the working hours  of midwives are arranged according to a complex on-call system. On-call time is generally 12 hours, alternating between day and night, with cycles of 3 to 4 days' work followed by rest. A monthly schedule is drawn up in advance, enabling rotation between day and night shifts.

Schedules for freelance midwives

Freelance practice offers greater flexibility and better-resourced midwifery job offersbut in return requires a high level of availability. Main activities include:

• Daily consultations by appointment
• Strictures for deliveries
• Autonomous management of emergencies and scheduling

Work in a PMI center

PMI working hours are more regular, with fixed working days, generally from 8am to 5pm. This way of working allows us to enjoy weekends off and amidwifery schedulepromisingly long-term, with no night shifts.

Constraints related to working hours

Night and weekend shifts

Giving birth requires continuous operation. Alternating day and night disrupts biological rhythms, while working regularly on weekends and public holidays impacts social life. Midwives' guards and on-call dutycan last from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the establishment, necessitating a considerable amount of respite to maintain the expected level of performance.

Managing emergencies and imprévus

Imprecise visibility is a feature of midwifery, since births can occur at any time of day. In this context, schedule changes are frequent, and reminders of rest periods are still possible. Schedules can be changed at the last minute, requiring a high level of responsiveness from these professionals.

These qualities have been learned and developed during midwifery studies.

The need for constant availability

The professional commitment involves regular on-call duty and the obligation to keep one's phone on. Midwives often have to limit their travel time between home and work, and plan their leave in advance.

Solutions to better manage schedules

Amending working hours

There are several options for optimizing professional organization, such as part-time work or alternating intensive periods with quiet ones. The choice of working pattern can also be adapted to personal constraints.

Family support and personal organization

Good planning is absolutely essential for midwives' plannings, with a calendar shared with the family and routines adapted to varying schedules. The use of home help services often proves necessary to preserve quality time with loved ones and, more generally, optimal mental health.

Importance of team cohesion and professional support

Teamwork makes managing schedules much easier. Mutual support between colleagues, the possibility of changing shifts and fluid communication make it possible to respect rest periods while ensuring continuity of care.

In résumé, the même nature of the métier of midwifery dérègle schedules. This unmistakable essence calls for intelligent time management and draconian discipline when it comes to rest time. It’s the quid pro quo for a totally unique and highly rewarding career.

Did you like this article and want to read on? Check out our salary sheet midwife!